Staff rewards for star performance range from nothing to £150

Rewards from managers to social care staff in three-star
departments to thank them for their efforts have ranged from
nothing to £150 bonuses, ‘Community Care’ can exclusively
reveal, writes Derren Hayes.

A survey of the three-star social services departments finds
that only half received rewards or extra perks for achieving the
highest possible rating, with a vast disparity in levels of
generosity.  

Workers at Wandsworth Council in London were told each member of
staff would be allocated a voucher worth £2.50 as a reward for
the three star rating. “We haven’t decided how to spend ours yet,”
one said.  

In Bolton, all the teams were offered a hamper as
congratulations, with each member of staff receiving a letter.

Derbyshire social workers received a letter of thanks from their
social services director, while Blackburn with Darwen sent its
message of thanks via an email. The latter also treated staff to a
working lunch, where they discussed strategy and future service
developments. 

Frontline staff at Kent social services also received a letter
of thanks from director of social services Peter Gilroy, but this
was made all the more sweeter as it was accompanied by a £150
bonus. Those demonstrating “exceptional” quality in their work also
received theatre tickets and meals at restaurants.  

Social care staff at Kingston upon Thames, Westminster, and East
Sussex – which jumped from zero to two stars – were given an extra
day off. Meanwhile, Kensington and Chelsea Council threw
“celebratory events”, and social care staff at Knowsley were given
a free lunch attended by the social services director or cabinet
member.   

Staff at Kirklees, Leicestershire and Sunderland received no
extra rewards, while Newcastle Council was still undecided. North
Lincolnshire, Cornwall and Bexley Councils were unavailable for
comment.  

The 2002/03 star ratings saw a general improvement in
performance across social services, with the number of three star
councils going up from 11 to 16.